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With the highly anticipated Big Four show featuring METALLICA, SLAYER, MEGADETH, ANTHRAX in Indio, CA a part of metal history, photo galleries and reviews are beginning to surface. Two links to galleries, courtesy of The Press Enterprise Examiner.com are available below.

According to Bruce Fessier from Mydesert.com, the promoter of yesterday’s Big Four concert was expecting the first U.S. appearance together of the world’s four most popular thrash metal bands to sell out before doors open at 2 p.m. at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, CA.

But Paul Tollett of the Los Angeles-based Goldenvoice company said the one-day show won’t attract as many people as last week’s Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, or next weekend’s Stagecoach country music festival.

TMD has obtained rare concert audio of METALLICA performing on September 14, 1985 in Rheine, Germany. This year on September 27 marks 25 years that the legendary metal act lost their bassist Cliff Burton due to a tragic bus accident in 1986. Here the listener is treated to a one-of-a-kind bass solo from Cliff that leads directly into the classic track “For Whom The Bell Tolls”.

Legendary San Francisco Bay Area metal photographers Brian Lew (Whiplash fanzine) and Harald “O.” Oimoen (D.R.I.) have joined forces to create the large-format hardcover photo collection MURDER IN THE FRONT ROW: Bay Area Bangers and the Birth of Thrash Metal. Coming this fall from Bazillion Points Books, this intense look at early hardcore headbangers features some of the first photos of the “Big Four” and their extended family of thrash metal bands. With hundreds of candid, live, and studio shots, Lew and Oimoen celebrate the unique wild-eyed spirit and atmosphere of the historic S.F. Bay Area heavy metal scene: pinpointing clubs (The Old Waldorf, The Stone, Ruthie’s Inn, The Omni); hangouts (The Record Vault, the infamous Metallica Mansion); and beloved local figures like fearless stage diver Toby Rage, manager Debbie Abono, and the unrivaled metal ringmaster Paul Baloff of Exodus.

Among the jaw-dropping moments in heavy metal history on display: Cliff Burton’s first rehearsal with Dave Mustaine-era Metallica; Kerry King of Slayer performing with early Megadeth; Metallica and Slayer’s first Bay Area shows; the first meeting of Slayer and Metallica; original uncropped prints of Possessed’s blood-spattered “Seven Churches” band photo shoot; some of the earliest photos of Vio-lence and Death Angel; Testament (then called Legacy) dressed in religious stage outfits; the crazed front row faces from legendary Ruthie’s Inn; and Metallica’s triumphant takeover of Day on the Green in 1985.

At roughly 300 pages, filled with unpublished images and rare flyers, this incredible visual time capsule stems from a friendship that started when Brian Lew and Harald O. first met as camera-wielding teenage metalheads. Both later contributed to Ron Quintana’s infamous Metal Mania fanzine.

Says Harald O.: “I am so psyched on getting these photos out there. The camaraderie and great friendships forged between all the bands and the fans was so cool-there literally wasn’t much distinction. Everybody was pals with everyone else, and it was a magical time to be a metalhead living in the Bay Area. People are gonna freak on what what we’re gonna show them. This is a dream come true!”

Says Brian Lew: “This will not be a history book, but rather a time machine back to the ‘bonded by blood’ days of the original Bay Area metal scene. Before they played the Bay Area, Slayer wore makeup onstage; after that first Bay Area show they never wore makeup again. This book will show people why.”

Murder in the Front Row: Bay Area Bangers and the Birth of Thrash Metal, by Brian Lew and Harald “O.” Oimoen. [ISBN 978-1-935950-03-5] Coming Fall 2011 from Bazillion Points Books, America’s smallest but heaviest book publisher.

“If you’ve been following along, you know that the Big Four of ANTHRAX, MEGADETH, SLAYER and ‘Tallica already have two shows scheduled in Europe in July… well, the party is expanding!

We’re here today to tell you about and addition to the European vacation with a show in Gelsenkirchen, Germany at the Veltins Arena on July 2nd, 2011. Tickets go on sale on Saturday, February 19th at 9:00 AM local time at www.eventim.de. MetClub members should check MetClub.com for more details on a special pre-sale for Clubbers only.

Yes, that headline said “shows” with an “s.” Keep watching here for a couple more announcements in the coming weeks.”

Speaking to Noisecreep’s Jon Wiederhorn, Megadeth leader Dave Mustaine responds to the question: Why is there only one Big Four US show confirmed?

Says Mustaine: “That, I don’t know. But I do know this – and it’s not me speaking on behalf of any of the Big Four collectively or individually – it started off as one date before, and then it ended up being several. So I would say for people that pray, do so. For people that don’t, start.”

The Big Four announced on January 25th that they will play one exclusive show on Metallica’s home turf on Saturday, April 23rd at the Empire Polo Club, Indio, CA.

During an appearance on a recent edition of The Kevin & Bean Show on the Los Angeles-based radio station KROQ-FM (106.7), Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich explained why there is only one US show:

“Let’s take baby steps here. We did seven or eight dates last year, we’re doing one show in England and one show in France.

Listen, we don’t wanna cram this down people’s throats., we don’t wanna sort of overstay the welcome, and we don’t know what kind of response there’s gonna be to this in America, so we’re starting, obviously, without being disrespectful to the rest of the wonderful country…

We have a history in Southern California, Slayer has a history in Southern California, (Dave) Mustaine has a history in Southern California, so there’s a lot of history in California. And we picked the Coachella site where this is going down the week after the Coachella, which is probably – along with Bonnaroo – the favorite festival site to go to in North America.

If there is enough demand for it, obviously there’s a very strong possibility that there’ll be more shows, but we don’t wanna overextend the welcome and we also don’t wanna turn it into something that becomes just this whole nostalgia trip. So it’s a balancing act, you know.”

TheBig4 Facebook page has lit up with angry fan reaction today as what was assumed to be a tour so far appears to be one show.

Tickets available on Ticketmaster Friday January 28th at 10am PST!

From Metallica.com:

“You’ve probably heard us all say it . . . the vibe was just so incredible at last year’s Big 4 shows that we can’t stop now!! So we’re finally bringing the love to our home turf on April 23, 2011 with ‘Tallica, Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax in Indio, CA at the Empire Polo Club (yes, the more observant of you will note that this is the same spot where the Coachella Festival takes place the weekend before).

It’s true – this is indeed the only scheduled stop in America this go around, so we’re hoping that you can head West to join us. Tickets go on sale this Friday, January 28 at 10 AM PST and Fan Club members can check MetClub.com for pre-sale and VIP package info.

For more info about the show, including ticket pricing and transportation information, check out TheBig4Festival.com”

Metal legends METALLICA have posted an image on their official website announcing the upcoming US leg of The Big 4 which will also feature SLAYER, MEGADETH and ANTHRAX, collectively known as the Big Four of 1980s thrash metal. More details will be announced tomorrow, Jan 25th. A Fcebook page has been launched here.

No word yet on if this will be USA only dates or if there will be any Canadian appearances. Stay tuned for more details!

With two exciting announcements already made, Sonisphere Knebworth 2011 – which takes place July 8th – 10th – can now reveal the remaining headliner for next summer’s festival, who will appear alongside Saturday night headliner BIFFY CLYRO and Sunday Festival closer SLIPKNOT.

Sonisphere will be bringing together METALLICA, SLAYER, MEGADETH and ANTHRAX in the UK for the first time in history to headline the Friday night.

Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich explains: “As soon as the Big 4 gigs started rolling across Sonisphere Festivals in Eastern Europe last summer, we all felt we were part of something special. The vibe within the bands was more than anyone had anticipated and the vibe with the fans was so next level, it completely blew our minds . . . there was no way this should not happen again!!! So I am beyond psyched that the first Big 4 show in Western Europe will take place on the hallowed grounds of Knebworth, where so many unique and special gigs have happened over the years.”

Last summer saw the live debut of The Big 4 – as this collective of thrash legends are commonly known – marking what was possibly the most significant event in the history of metal. Fans all over Europe could barely contain their excitement, as over 500,000 metalheads bore witness to the show they thought they’d never see.

The Big 4 fever did not stop at Europe, as fans the world over eagerly anticipated the possibility of seeing the historical show for themselves in their own countries. Such was the demand that a live cinecast of the Bulgarian show saw over 130,000 people turn out to local cinemas, with reports of mosh pits breaking out in movie theatres across the globe. The recently released DVD of the event, which features all four bands collaborating on a cover of Diamond Head’s “Am I Evil” as well as their individual sets, has only added fuel to the Big 4 fire, with a frenzied demand for more performances in the countries not fortunate enough to play host last summer.

Now, Sonisphere brings the titanic combo of Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax to the UK for the very first time, at this exclusive performance at Knebworth.

The legends themselves declare their delight at taking the greatest metal show on earth back out on the road:

“There is simply no better venue for a European round two of the Big 4!!”, Metallica’s Lars Ulrich begins. “Put your dancing shoes on, this is gonna be fun!”

“Always excited to do Big 4 shows”, says SLAYER’s Kerry King. “Now England is in line to be devastated by this heavy metal powerhouse! Can’t Fucking wait!!!”

Megadeth mainman Dave Mustaine states; “The Big Four Concerts are the most important, most exciting event to happen in the history of live concerts in our genre, and perhaps the entire music industry. I am glad to be a part of this enormous celebration of thrash, speed, and good ole heavy metal!”

Anthrax bandmate, guitarist Scott Ian concurs, “Merry early Xmas present for us… more Big 4 shows!!! The shows we did together with our brothers in Metallica, Slayer and Megadeth were not only the high point of 2010, but also some of the best shows Anthrax have ever played. Getting to share this with our friends in the UK will be amazing.”

Given that 2010’s event had sold out before IRON MAIDEN took to the stage, and the hugely exciting headliners set for next year, Sonisphere can not guarantee that day tickets will be available for 2011, so fans are advised to get their tickets early to ensure they don’t miss out on what is already shaping up to be Sonisphere’s most exciting year yet.

Tickets for Sonisphere Knebworth 2011 are now on sale. Beat the VAT increase – and get your application in to become a Sonisphere Tourist with your free ticket for Poland and Czech Republic or Austria (subject to availability) – by snapping your ticket up quickly.

Sonisphere Knebworth takes place July 8th – 10th, 2011 at Knebworth House. For tickets and more info go to this location.

Andrew Haug drummer from Australia’s CONTRIVE caught up with METALLICA’s Lars Ulrich for a Radio interview on Thursday November 18 in Melbourne. During the chat Haug put to Lars a role reversal challenge with this comical result, enjoy. PLEASE NOTE: Lars was NOT offended in the slightest, so be happy & remember Tallica loves you! \m/

David Lee Roth, lead singer of VAN HALEN, used to be known as the only musical one in the Roth family. His sister, Lisa Roth, never really considered herself musically inclined. Ballet was as musical as shot got, until about three years ago.

She was shopping for a baby gift, and couldn’t find anything she thought would be the perfect gift for her friend. She thought, “What if there was a gift that would benefit the parents and the child?”

“But most of the lullabyes out there, I wouldn’t think parents could relate to or enjoy hearing them over and over again. But their favorites songs, I figured they would.”

So, she approached her boss at CMH Records David Haerle about creating lullabyes based on a parent’s favorite singers and bands. Rock-A-Bye Baby features recognizable music from nearly 30 artists, from METALLICA to THE ROLLING STONES.

Roth adds, “When I knew I’d really hit something right was when I saw an interview of Kirk Hammett of Metallica talking about playing it for his child, and he said that it works.”

METALLICA TO RELEASE A SPECIAL RECORDING OF BAND’S INTIMATE FAN-ONLY SHOW AT 150-CAPACITY VENUE THE BASEMENT IN NASHVILLE ON NOVEMBER 26TH, 2010

METALLICA’S LIVE AT GRIMEY’S WILL BE RELEASED ON CD AND VINYL, AND SOLD, ALONG WITH OTHER EXCLUSIVES, THROUGH METAL CLUB RETAILERS

Wednesday, October 06, 2010 – Los Angeles, CA – The Music Monitor Network, largest of the independent record store coalitions with stores in both the US and Canada –is proud to announce the launch of Metal Club. Metal Club is a group of record stores throughout the US and Canada that work to connect the vibrant metal community with their local record store. Fans will be able to visit their local Metal Club store for special metal promotional pieces, exciting in-store events, and a series of exclusive Metal Club releases, starting with today’s announcement from Metallica.

On June 12th, 2008, multi-platinum rock band Metallica staged an intimate, surprise performance at The Basement, an 150-capacity venue below Nashville record store Grimey’s New & Preloved Music. In attendance were ecstatic Metallica fan club members from all over the world, Grimey’s staffers, and a few lucky friends.

Now the explosive energy of that hot and sweaty, bursting to the rafters show, which took place the night before Metallica played the Bonnaroo Festival, has been captured on the recording Live at Grimey’s, which will be released by Warner Bros. Records on the day after Thanksgiving, November 26th. “To have a band of the magnitude of Metallica actually come into a record store, set up and record a live performance, and then provide it to record stores so that they can have it on the shelves for the holidays is fantastic,” says Metal Club head honcho, Michael Kurtz. “Music is something special and not just a disposable commodity. Being able to provide metal fans and record stores with something this special is exceptionally gratifying. This is going to be the gift that every metal fan is going to want this holiday season.”

Live at Grimey’s, which includes such highlights as “Welcome Home (Sanitarium),” a blistering “Master of Puppets,” and “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” will be released on standard CD plus as a limited-edition two-disc set on regular-weight 10″ vinyl with a gatefold jacket. The release date is Black Friday, November 26, 2010.

Live at Grimey’s will be distributed by the Coalition of Independent Music Stores’ distribution company, Junketboy, and sold exclusively at Metal Club stores, which include independent record stores across the country, along with Hastings stores. Please visit www.mymetalclub.com for a list of all potential participating retailers.

Formed in Los Angeles in 1981 by drummer Lars Ulrich and guitarist and vocalist James Hetfield, Metallica have become one of the most influential and commercially successful rock bands in history, having sold 100 million albums worldwide and playing to millions of fans the world over. They have scored several multi-platinum albums, including 1993’s Kill ‘Em All (3x), 1984’s Ride the Lightning (5x), 1986’s Master of Puppets (6x), 1988’s …And Justice For All (8x), 1996’s Load (5x), 1997’s ReLoad (3x), and 2003’s St. Anger (2x). Their latest album, Death Magnetic, was certified platinum just six weeks after it debuted atop the Billboard Top 200 Album chart in October 2008. Metallica have also garnered numerous awards and accolades, including seven Grammy Awards, two American Music Awards, and multiple MTV Video Music Awards, and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum last year.

Australia’s Video Hits recently interviewed METALLICA’s James Hetfield. During the 22-minute video, which can be seen below, the subject of 2011 marking the band’s 30th anniversary and subsequent celebrations was discussed.

Hetfield commented, “We’ve gotta do something; there’s no doubt about that. There are quite a few bands that have made it 30 years, but these days, I think it’s getting a little harder to survive 30 years. The fact that we made it 30 years is pretty unbelievable.”

Metallica will wrap up their 2010 tour with a string of 15 sold out shows in New Zealand and Australia, running October 13th to November 21st.

The Big Four: Live From Sonisphere 2010 DVD Now Available For Pre-Order

METALLICA have issued the following update:

“You may have heard us say something about a DVD at the end of the satellite broadcast or read it in the internet rumor mill . . . it’s true, there will be a DVD Release of the Big 4 show from Sofia, Bulgaria!! We had such an awesome time hanging with ANTHRAX, MEGADETH and SLAYER and the cameras were already rolling, so why not?

Here’s the scoop: The DVD hits the streets on October 15 in Northern Europe, October 18 in most of the rest of the world, October 19 in North America and the full shows from all four bands will be included in the two disc set along with behind the scenes and interview footage. In addition to the two DVD set and the corresponding Blu-ray, there will be a limited edition ‘super deluxe’ box set including the DVD set, five CD’s with ALL the music, a 24 page booklet, a poster, photos of each band, and a Big 4 guitar pick.

The clever title of the DVD is The Big 4 Live From Sofia, Bulgaria (yes, that’s really it!!) and you if you’re interested in the box set, it is currently available in the Metallica Store for pre-order. It is also available for pre-order for Met Club Members over at metclub.com.

All DVD orders placed at the Metallica Store and at metclub.com, including the pre-order of the deluxe box set, will ALSO receive one limited edition, exclusive RED Big 4 guitar pick with one of four different print colors (white, black, silver or gold). This red guitar pick is not available in stores!

To pre-order the deluxe set, click here. It will start shipping on October 15, 2010. To our friends outside of North America, this special box set will be available at your favorite local stores and online retailers as well, should you choose to avoid international shipping charges.”

According to BraveWords.com sources, the Deluxe edition DVD Box set includes five CDs featuring each band’s entire live set:

The Deluxe Edition also features an event poster, posters from each band (four posters) and guitar pick (subject to change). The Box size: 20.5 x 15 x 4cm (subject to change).

The package documents the landmark event where Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax played together for the first time in their history at the Sonisphere Festival at Bemowo Airport in Warsaw, Poland in front of 100,000 fans this past June 16th. The night also featured the legendary jam cover of the DIAMOND HEAD classic ‘Am I Evil?’ by all bands.

Back By Popular Demand The Big Four: Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, Anthrax Returns to the Big Screen on Monday, July 19 at Cineplex Entertainment Theatres

Back By Popular Demand The Big Four: Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, Anthrax
Returns to the Big Screen on Monday, July 19 at Cineplex Entertainment Theatres

WHAT: Cineplex Entertainment in association with BY Experience is pleased to announce that the live concert presentation of The Big Four: Anthrax, Megadeth, Slayer and Metallica was such a hit that an encore presentation has been scheduled. The legendary concert from the tour’s stop at the Sonisphere Festival in Sofia, Bulgaria was one of only seven shows across Europe. The HD concert presentation being shown at Cineplex theatres makes it possible for Canadian fans to participate in what otherwise is a very limited run of dates.

WHEN: Monday, July 19, 2010 at 6:30pm (local time).

WHERE: Cineplex Entertainment will present The Big Four: Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, Anthrax at the following theatres:

Austria’s Stormbringer.at webzine conducted an interview with MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine when the band played in Vienna on July 1, 2010. Watch the chat below. A couple of excerpts follow (transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET).

On whether “Big Four” tour [featuring METALLICA, MEGADETH, SLAYER and ANTHRAX] is something special for him or if it’s just “another MEGADETH tour”:

Mustaine: “Of course it’s special. It’s historical. It’s life-changing for a lot of people that were there. And I think the bragging rights for people who actually witnessed it versus somebody who saw it on YouTube or saw it in a movie theater or is gonna see it on the DVD that’s coming up… they weren’t there. So to actually watch it was a fantastic thing. Standing up on stage where I was [during the ‘Big Four’ jam at the Sonisphere festival in Sofia, Bulgaria on June 22], being able to look next to me, on either side being flanked by so much tremendous talent, it was great. It’s just one of those things where in the moment it doesn’t seem as enormous as it really is. After the fact, you look back and you’re like… You know like when you survive a car crash, you don’t think it’s such a big deal until you watch it in slow motion, you’re thinking, ‘Oh, my god, I can’t believe I survived.’ So going up on stage was really, really amazing. Especially when I looked back and saw how everybody was embracing everyone and how I think that… If you were there, you would have heard when, through all the goodbyes and everything at the end, when James [Hetfield, METALLICA frontman] and I embraced, the whole audience went [wild], ’cause it’s what they’ve been waiting for. It’s what I think James and I both have been waiting for, too, so it’s a good thing.”

On whether the “Big Four” tour will hit the U.S.:

Mustaine: “That’s up to METALLICA and their camp, because I think it’s fairly obvious, for myself… it doesn’t need to be the ‘Big Four’ for me to wanna play with James and Lars [Ulrich, METALLICA drummer]. I think if the ‘Big Four’ [tour in the U.S.] doesn’t happen, certainly a MEGADETH/METALLICA tour would be great — whether it’s just the two of us or if we have a support group or something like that. But yeah, I think it was really fun because of what we stand for in heavy metal. Me and James are like the ‘big daddies’ of this whole thing — we were the two guitar players that set the wheels in motion when the first tapes were made of METALLICA. I think it’s exciting now to look back and see all the millions of bands that have been created off what me and James did sitting in a room in Norwalk [California].”

According to Billboard.com, a DVD of the Sonisphere concert in Sofia, Bulgaria — which was beamed via satellite in HD to cinemas and was seen by more than 100,000 fans globally — is set to be released later this year. TV deals have also been struck for sets from Sonisphere and in Britain ITV2 will screen highlights from the U.K. festival. VH1 will show Sonisphere in the U.S.

In the U.K. it was screened in 79 cinemas. “At the Odeon in Leicester Square in London there was a mosh pit, and at the end of the show they had a stage invasion, which is just phenomenal to even think about,” says promoter Stuart Galbraith. “Not only are we hitting the territories that we’re playing with this tour, [with the cinecast] we’ve taken the ‘Big Four’ and Sonisphere into countries we haven’t been able to get to this year.”

METALLICA, SLAYER, MEGADETH and ANTHRAX — the so-called “Big Four” of 1980s thrash metal — played together for the first time in history on June 16 in front of 81,000 fans in Warsaw, Poland.